I have decided to turn my 88 truck into a full time fun mobile and plan on getting a Tundra or Tacoma. I have been driving a a Dodge access cab for work and have gotten used to the larger cab and a little used to the gas milage (around 9mpg). I figured I'd get a V6 Taco when it was time to buy a new rig but heard that the MPG of the Tundras are within a couple of miles per gallon.

Another consideration is the transmition. I am pretty sure need an auto. I'm a general contractor and office out of my truck so need all hands on deck to work and drive. How common are auto Tacos?

Has anyone else had this dilema? What were your conclusions?

Sadly the new tacos get stinky mileage. I boat with a guy who has a new one, and the mileage should be better for a truck that size, with a v-6 I have a T-100, and get 16-22 depending on where I am driving and how fast, my buddy's taco (crew cab, trd, 4wd) gets 14-19 and its drinking premium, has a much lower people and stuff weight load too. Tools (and cap) and plywood can add up way too quickly...

New taco also has a bigger engine, which is eating the gas.

i'd go with the tundra because the bed is larger then the tacoma's, and you are a general contractor that will be hauling stuff. in feb 07 the new tundra is supposed to go on sale and it is even larger.

I have been thinking of buying a Tundra too. But here is my question: How much is the towing capacity of the Tundra? I have a Taco with the V6 engine and the towing capacity is 5000lbs. Basically will the Tundra pull a carry crete of cemente without a problem? thanks for your reply's: <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Towing capacity of a 2006 Tundra x-cab 4x4 with V8 is almost 7k lbs vs the t100's 5k. I wouldnt wanna abuse a tundra as a work truck..just to nice, an older F150 or f250 is a better choice.

As a GC I won't be hauling too much, but will on occasion.

The Taco's are still too small,all around for me. I want an 8. Aside from work I've got bikes and gear and dogs and girlfriend. I-70 takes me out of town and after 7+ years off pushing my poor bastard 22re 4 banger up the mountain its high time I strapped on a pair and went big. Go big or go home, eh? Cab size is key as well, so is the extra door. I have files and a laptop and gym bag, cooler etc. with me every day.

So I think I have decided on a Tundra, silver if I can find one at my price point. I also will be putting a on a topper, racks on both the cab and the topper and an alarm. Those all could run me an extra 3-4 g's. Although the alarm will pay for itself.

I'm not looking forward to a car payment. Haven't had one in about 5 years. It will be nice to have a nice truck though.

I went from a 3.4L 4WD AT 1996 T100 to a 4.7L 4WD AT TUNDRA with no regrets.
It is my daily driver and I get 15/16 mpg with my heavy foot and 18 mpg + when I lighten my foot.
I added JBA headers and nothing else.
As much as I loved my T100 I would not go back to it as my primary vehicle.

HTH ~

Is a Tundra basically a 1/2 ton truck?

Yes.